NEW DELHI: Days before the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena was sunk off the coast of Sri Lanka in a US strike, India had allowed another Iranian ship to dock at Kochi after Tehran sought urgent assistance due to technical problems, government sources said. According to the sources, Iran approached India on February 28 requesting permission for the vessel IRIS Lavan to enter Kochi port after reporting technical issues while operating in the region.The ship was part of the contingent that had travelled to the region for the International Fleet Review, the sources said.Emergency docking requestGovernment sources said the Iranian request stated that the vessel required urgent docking at Kochi to address technical issues.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: ‘Indian navy’s guest struck without warning’: Iran slams US after torpedo sinks warship IRIS Dena50 Israeli jets strike, destroy Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s underground military bunker; IDF shares videoRussia helping Iran? Moscow providing real time intelligence to Tehran on American military assetsApproval for the docking was granted by Indian authorities on March 1.The vessel subsequently arrived and docked at Kochi on March 4, according to the sourcesCrew accommodated at naval facilitiesIn the meantime, the ship’s 183 crew members are being accommodated at Indian naval facilities in Kochi, sources said.“Days before the IRIS Dena incident south of Sri Lanka, India was approached by Iran to take in the Iranian Ship IRIS Lavan, which was also in the region for the International Fleet Review,” government sources said.“This request was received on 28 February 2026, indicating that a docking at Kochi was urgent as the vessel had developed technical issues. Approval was accorded for the docking on 1 March. IRIS Lavan has since docked at Kochi on 4 March. In this context, its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi,” the sources added.The sinking of IRIS Dena on Wednesday came as the war sparked by a joint US-Israel attack on Iran continued to spread across the Middle East and beyond. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the attack and warned Washington it would “bitterly regret” establishing such a precedent.” The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran’s shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India’s Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning,” he posted on X. “Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set,” Araghchi added.Sri Lanka evacuated 208 crew members of an Iranian Navy vessel on Thursday, a day after a US submarine struck and sank the Iranian frigate.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Jaishankar Should Respond’: Opposition Leaders Slam Modi Govt Over US Waiver On Russian OilWhy Is Congress Betting on Gaurav Gogoi While BJP Hits Pakistan Links?Health or politics? The real reason BJP changed West Bengal governorIAF Pilot Purvesh Duragkar Killed In Su-30MKI Crash Took Part In Op Sindoor, Met Family 10 Days AgoBengal SIR Row Decoded: Why Mamata Banerjee Is Launching Dharna Against EC Ahead Of PollsUS Waiver ON Russian Oil Sparks Row, Rahul Gandhi Blasts Modi Govt, Questions India’s SovereigntyWho Will Lead Bihar After Nitish Kumar? BJP Heavyweights Enter Race For Chief Minister’Old Global Order Cannot Be Frozen Forever’: Jaishankar Explains Why Era Of Global Hegemony Is Over’Won’t Make Same Mistakes With India’: Rubio’s Deputy Landau Sparks Debate On US Strategy On Ties’Oceans Back As Centre Of…’: Rajnath Singh Warns Of New Maritime Power Race, Flags Oil Supply Concern123PhotostoriesMarch-perfect destinations to visit in India under ₹10,000; check itineraryWhy your legs feel heavy or swollen by evening: Doctors reveal 5 circulation problems to watch for8 national parks that are home to the most iconic natural landmarksHow to make classic South Indian Onion Masala Dosa for dinnerInside Hardik Pandya’s luxurious car collection: 5 cars that define his style5 surprising facts about Mount Everest most climbers won’t tell youWomen’s Day 2026: Meet the boss ladies of Bollywood: Gauri Khan, Maheep Kapoor, Sussanne Khan and other successful star wives‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, ‘Laapataa Ladies’, ‘Piku’: Women oriented films to watch on OTT this Women’s DayShah Rukh, Gauri and Suhana’s coordinated couture glam at Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding was pure fashion theatre moment6 stunning monuments around the world that were built for love and their stories123Hot PicksChina Military BudgetIran Mobile Missile LauncersMiddle East CrisisNitish KumarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingAP SSC Hall TicketsBreanna StewartJai OpetaiaDak Prescotts ContractBengaluru Flight CancellationsNepal ElectionsMiddle East CrisisKarnataka BudgetNitish KumarRussia India Oil Deal
NEW DELHI: Days before the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena was sunk off the coast of Sri Lanka in a US strike, India had allowed another Iranian ship to dock at Kochi after Tehran sought urgent assistance due to technical problems, government sources said. According to the sources, Iran approached India on February 28 requesting permission for the vessel IRIS Lavan to enter Kochi port after reporting technical issues while operating in the region.The ship was part of the contingent that had travelled to the region for the International Fleet Review, the sources said.
Emergency docking request
Government sources said the Iranian request stated that the vessel required urgent docking at Kochi to address technical issues.Approval for the docking was granted by Indian authorities on March 1.The vessel subsequently arrived and docked at Kochi on March 4, according to the sources
Crew accommodated at naval facilities
In the meantime, the ship’s 183 crew members are being accommodated at Indian naval facilities in Kochi, sources said.“Days before the IRIS Dena incident south of Sri Lanka, India was approached by Iran to take in the Iranian Ship IRIS Lavan, which was also in the region for the International Fleet Review,” government sources said.“This request was received on 28 February 2026, indicating that a docking at Kochi was urgent as the vessel had developed technical issues. Approval was accorded for the docking on 1 March. IRIS Lavan has since docked at Kochi on 4 March. In this context, its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi,” the sources added.The sinking of IRIS Dena on Wednesday came as the war sparked by a joint US-Israel attack on Iran continued to spread across the Middle East and beyond. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the attack and warned Washington it would “bitterly regret” establishing such a precedent.” The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran’s shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India’s Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning,” he posted on X. “Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set,” Araghchi added.Sri Lanka evacuated 208 crew members of an Iranian Navy vessel on Thursday, a day after a US submarine struck and sank the Iranian frigate.
